I
f the art gig ever stalls, Chinese dissident and global activist Ai Weiwei
could give stand-up comedy a try. The acerbic humor that’s a primary driver
of much of his art was on display during an appearance at the Auditorium
Theatre last week.
Ai Weiwei: They use chemicals. I worry about that every time I have a cup
of tea. The Chinese just put you in a secret place.
Why did he become an artist? “To escape being a farmer.” Why this expanded,
socially active practice? (His media, besides sculpture, film, and
photography, include Twitter and Instagram.) “To have a moment like this.”
He’s been living in Berlin since his passport was returned in 2015.
Through 6/30: Wed 10 AM-5 PM, Thu-Fri 10 AM-7:30 PM, Sat 10 AM-5 PM, Alphawood Exhibitions, 659 W. Wrightwood, 773-437-6601, alphawoodex.org, reservations required. F
